Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 5, 2025, Kolkata : Kolkata witnessed a vibrant celebration of literary excellence on Sunday, as the 18th anniversary of the renowned Bengali literary magazine, Rupkotha Patrika, unfolded with much grandeur. The event, held at the picturesque garden house of Piyali Gopal Roy, brought together an illustrious gathering of literary figures, poets, and artists, reaffirming the publication’s significance in the cultural fabric of Bengal.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious ‘Surya-Sabita Smriti Rupkotha Samman 2025,’ which was awarded to three distinguished personalities in the literary world. Poet Shuddhendu Chakraborty, renowned translator and poet Baby Karforma, and celebrated poet Sujata Halder were the esteemed recipients of the honor, acknowledging their significant contributions to Bengali literature.
The event was further graced by a mesmerizing musical performance by eminent musician Mohar Mandal, who opened the proceedings with two soul-stirring renditions of Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless songs. Adding to the cultural ambiance, actress Swati Roy enthralled the audience with her poetic recitations, highlighting the deep connection between literature and performance.
Poets and literary figures from various walks of life gathered for the occasion, adding their voices to a collective celebration of poetry. Among the notable participants were Adhir Krishna Mondal, Kanailal Jana, Alok Biswas, Amit Kashyap, Sukumar Haldar, Bidhan Naskar, Bimalkumar Thandar, Nikhil Mondal, Shamita Sengupta Deray, Soma Chanda, Niranjan Mondal, Tapas Mistry, Sudiptachandra Mallick, Mrityunjay Mondal, and many others. Their recitations, rich with emotion and insight, captured the essence of Bengali literary tradition and the power of words.
The event was meticulously conducted by Prabir Mondal, the director of Rupkotha Prakashan and an accomplished poet himself, who ensured the evening ran smoothly and with great reverence to the magazine’s legacy. As the audience witnessed this confluence of artistic expressions, it was clear that Rupkotha Patrika continues to thrive, transcending obstacles and resonating with generations of literary enthusiasts.
The 18th anniversary celebration of Rupkotha Patrika was not just an event; it was a testament to the resilience of Bengali literature and its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world. The evening left a lasting impression on all who attended, reminding them of the unparalleled power of words to inspire, challenge, and heal.